Stop fraud in Barnet
Council counter-fraud officers will once again be taking part in a week of action during International Fraud Awareness Week (13 - 19 November).
Throughout the week, officers from the council’s Corporate Anti-Fraud Team (CAFT), and other council officers, will be carrying out a range of activities to raise awareness around the impact of fraud and other crime, what to look out for, and how to report it.
Barnet Council Leader, Cllr Barry Rawlings, said: “Our Corporate Anti-Fraud Team works hard protecting the council against those who try to cheat the system for financial gain.
“International Fraud Awareness Week is a good opportunity to raise awareness of the impact of fraud, what it looks like and how working together we can help to tackle it.
“If anyone suspects a fraud is being committed I would urge them to report it straight away.”
It is estimated that the cost of fraud nationally to local authorities is around £2.1billion every year.
Barnet’s dedicated counter-fraud team, CAFT, work to protect the public purse and detect, disrupt and investigate those intent on committing fraud.
The team investigates a range of fraud, from people making false applications for council support, to illegally subletting their council homes, attempts to commit right to buy fraud, and drivers committing fraud by misusing blue badge disabled parking permits.
During Fraud Awareness Week, officers will have an information stands at:
- Brent Cross Shopping Centre, Monday 14th November –between 9:30am-3pm.
- West Hendon Community Hub, Tuesday 15th November –, Community Centre, Marsh Drive, West Hendon NW9 7QQ between 2pm-4:30pm
- Boardwalk Shopping Centre, Thursday 17th November –, Station Rd, Edgware, HA8 7BD (next to Costa) between 10:30am-3pm
Officers will be raising awareness of fraud and crime prevention, and will be on hand to explain the role of CAFT.
To report a fraud, visit www.barnet.gov.uk/anti-fraud or call our fraud hotline on 020 8359 2007.